News & Announcements From Takoma Park

Stop in for free Multimedia class demonstrations for ages 8 and older each Sunday, (March 29 – April 19, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.) at the Takoma Park Community Center. The Takoma Park Recreation Department is proud to offer numerous multimedia classes in our state of the art Mac Lab! Come see what our experienced teachers have to offer by attending one of our free demos. Experience what classes are like and learn a few tips while you’re here. For more information, contact Lew McAllister at 301-891-7284 or LewM@takomaparkmd.gov. Limited seating.

The Lifelong Takoma Program will be holding an interest meeting for its new Beyond the Job iniative on April 8, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The meething will be held in Senior Room of theTakoma Park Community Center.

Beyond the Job focuses on exploring self identity and productivity when a career is no longer the main focus. Interested? Call 301-891-7232 or email lifelong@takomaparkmd.gov to register in advance for the free event. Limited to 20 people.

Looking for something for your child or teen to do April 6-10? Well look no further - register for one of the Recreation Department's Spring Break Camps. Youth can choose from Dribble, Pass and Shoot Basketball Camp, Cheer/Step Camp or our On Stage Workshop. Teens can still register for Career Week where local professionals will come in to talk about their career path and give insider advice and then we will spend the rest of the day going on a fun trip! Paperwork required prior to the start of camp. Don't miss out!

Sign up now for a three day training to become a Certified CIT while also becoming First Aid/CPR certified. Work with children ages 5-12 during our youth summer camps and earn your SSL hours while having fun! Attending this training is the only way to volunteer this summer with the Recreation Department, so don’t miss out! The CIT program is open to ages 14-16. Training dates are May 5, 7, and 9 (times vary) Pre-registration is required.

On February 9, Greg Lukmire of The Lukmire Partnership presented his final report on design options for the Library to the City Council.

He reviewed the scope of work undertaken by their firm, the data gathering process, and the preferred re-design options – one for renovating the existing building and two for possible expansion. He also discussed their analysis of the existing building, and the constraints posed by ADA regulations.

Cost estimates for a renovated or expanded Library building, including constructions costs and other project costs range from $2,100, 168 for renovation alone, to $3,190,481. for a 3,838 SF expansion, or $3,488,227 for a $4,465 SF expansion. The project, which would entail relocation of Library services during construction, and temporary storage of the bulk of the Library’s collections, will be considered by the Council during the upcoming budget season.

An expanded Library would provide the Library with a dedicated program room, a space for young adult collections, group study space and more lounge seating for family reading. It would retain the breadth and depth of the existing book collections, which residents have said they value, and which help to characterize it as a neighborhood library, distinct from larger libraries in the area.

The existing Library is 60 years old. The options for a fully renovated and expanded facility represent an exciting opportunity for the Takoma Park community. Final decisions will depend upon the recommendation of the City Manager, and adoption by the City Council during their budget deliberations in April.

The Takoma Park Recreation Department is looking for entertainers and vendors for this year’s Celebrate Takoma Festival (Sunday, May 17). We are seeking local food and authentic merchandise vendors to participate in the 2015 Celebrate Takoma Festival. Emphasis is placed on local Takoma Park businesses and vendors. Space is limited, so please inquire early. The vendor packet is available online at www.takomaparkmd.gov/recreation.

Entertainers are also wanted. We are looking for a variety of entertainment not limited to only music and dance. If you would like to become a vendor or entertainer for the festival, email celebratetakoma@takomaparkmd.gov or call 301-891-7920 for any questions.

The Newsletter is all about saving energy this month, with a collage of sustainability and an article on how residents can join the city’s new Neighborhood Energy Challenge. We’ll also tell you about the Montgomery College renovation in North Takoma, Washington Adventist Hospital’s move, code enforcement basics, and events like Shred the Streets, a new youth employment program and arts programming.

The City of Takoma Park will be presenting a First Time Home Buyer Class on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Takoma Park Community Center. Class is free for Takoma Park residents. (There is a $25 fee for non-residents.)

Expert speakers from a lending institution, title company, real estate office, insurance and inspections will be on hand to teach you home the home buying process! Learn the entire process for buying a house or condo during our HUD-approved housing agency sponsored April 25th class!

Attendees will receive a certificate of completion! Pre-registration to the event is required. To register call or email the CIty of Takoma Park's Affordable Housing Manager, Linda Walker at 301-891-7222 or LindaW@takomaparkmd.gov.